About Basil

Basil is a wonderfully fragrant herb that is especially popular in Italian cooking. It is added to the majority of tomato-based sauces for pasta, offering a sweet and pungent flavour, and is also one of the main ingredients of the olive oil and herb pasta sauce "pesto". There are many varieties of basil, each with their own distinct flavour, that are used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. Basil is native to India and Persia but is also commercially cultivated in the Mediterranean. Basil is a member of the mint family and is very similar in appearance. The most popular type of basil that is used in cooking is sweet basil but some people like to cook with lemon basil, clove basil or cinnamon basil. The name of the herb "basil" comes from the Greek word meaning "king" or "royal", reflecting that this herb was regarded extremely highly. In Italy, basil was symbolic for love and was sometimes used as an aphrodisiac.

Basil is Nutritious

Basil can be consumed in larger quantities than some of the stronger flavoured herbs and therefore may be of a higher nutritional value.

Basil is an excellent source of iron, calcium, potassium and Vitamin C, all of which are hugely beneficial to one's health. It also contains smaller amounts of Vitamin A, magnesium and manganese.

Health Benefits of Basil

• Basil is recognised for its soothing and sedative properties and is useful to calm the nervous system and aid digestion. As well as this, basil is said to:

• Treat respiratory and chest problems such as bronchitis or coughs.

• Relieve cold and flu symptoms.

• Inhibit the growth of certain bacteria.

• Protects cells from oxidation and damage.

• Act as an anti-inflammatory and relieve rheumatic and arthritic conditions.

• Prevent the progression of the above illnesses.

• Improve blood flow through the body by relaxing the muscles and blood vessels.

• Prevent heart disease and failure.

• Act as a digestive.

• Ease stomach cramps and pains.

• Treat nervousness, anxiety, depression, exhaustion and tiredness.

• Relieve migraines.

• Increase the production of breast milk.

• Repel insects.

• Treat insect bites.

• Cure insomnia.

Buying and Storing Basil

Basil can be bought from your local supermarket, fresh or dried. Fresh basil sold already cut, will keep for a few days if refrigerated and wrapped in a damp paper towel.

Fresh basil is much more aromatic and flavoursome than dried basil and gives a completely different taste to your dishes. Always try to use fresh basil when possible, although you may have to plan your meals and buy the herb fresh accordingly.

Cooking with Basil

• Basil goes well with any type of tomato dish, whether it is hot or cold and it is also the main ingredient of the Italian pesto sauce.

• Sprinkle fresh basil over the top of your pizza.

• Add to tomato-based pasta sauces just before serving.

• Add to soups.

• Sprinkle torn basil over a tomato and mozzarella salad.

• Add to stir-fried vegetables.

• Use in a marinade with garlic and olive oil.

• Add fresh leaves of basil to your salad.